Wakefield Wildcats: Lyne admits ‘dumb’ Cats will have to smarten up

IF THEY cut out the “dumb” errors, centre Reece Lyne is confident Wakefield Trinity Wildcats will stay in Super League.

Wildcats are fourth in the First Utility Qualifiers table, with two wins and two defeats from four games played. The wins were over Championship teams Bradford Bulls and Leigh Centurions and Wildcats led in the second half against Super League rivals Salford Red Devils and Hull KR, only to let both games slip late on.

Wildcats were 12-0 up at Hull KR two days ago before going down 20-18 and Lyne described the setback as “extremely disappointing”.

He said: “I thought we played with a lot of energy and I didn’t ever think we were in a position where we were going to lose the game, but we came up with dumb errors, we weren’t completing and there were a few poor kicks and we let them off the hook.”

Lyne added: “It was the best we’ve defended in a long time, but our attack was a bit off with our execution and timing. Things like that gave them a chance. We just need to be a bit more ruthless and a bit more clinical and learn how to put the game to bed.”

The top-three will gain an automatic Super League place, with fourth at home to fifth in a play-off for the final spot. Wildcats are at home to Widnes Vikings on Saturday and Lyne said: “That’s an extremely big game. I think they’re all big games, but Hull KR and Salford were ones that got away.

“We’ve put ourselves in a tough situation, but it’s still in our control and it’s a must-win game this week, at home and we’ll be looking for a big response.”